Interlocking apparatus



(No Mom.) z-sheets-sheet 1.

G. K-OENIG 8v S. H. STUPAKOFF.

INTBRLOGKING APPARATUS.

ATTORNEYS l UNITEDv STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE KOENIG AND SIMON HEINRICH STUPAKOFF, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

INTERLOCKING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 436,360, dated September 16, 1890.

Application led April 8, 1889. Serial No. 306,433. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Beit known that we, GEORGE KOENIG and SIMON HEINRICH STUPAKOFF, both residing at Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Interlocking Apparatuses for Operating Railroad-Signals in Combination with Switches; and we do hereby declare that the following isa full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the sam e.

Our invention relates to a new and useful improvem ent in railroad safety appliances and interlocking apparatuses such as are known by the name of selectors, the object of our invention being to produce a multiple selector or one by which the selecting ot' one or more blades among a number of signal-blades by a single actuating rod and of interlocking switches and signals with each other can be accomplished in a simple and effective manner. Heretofore, so far as we are aware, this has been a matter of extreme difficulty, and, while it has been the constant endeavor on the part of those engaged in constructing interlocking apparatus, has not been accomplished save by the device patented by Johnson, No. 342,911, dated June 1, A. D. 1886, and that described and claimed in application, Serial No. 301,696, tiled by us March 1, 1889, upon which this is an improvement.

In our former application, above referred to, on a selector and interlocking device we have explained and claimed parts which it will not be necessary to repeat here. IVe intend in the present application to dwell simply on the improvements and alterations made to our former application for Letters Patent and not shown in that case.

Figure 1 is a general plan of afour-way selector and its complet-e working mechanism, the top plate being omitted. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the same. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the locking-bar 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram of a three-way selector. Fig. 5 is a diagram of a tive-way selector. Fig. G 1s a diagram of an overlappin g four-way selector. Fig. 7 is a diagram of another four-way selector. Fig. 8 is a diagram of four parallel tracks with cross-over switches, and Fig. 9 represents the diagram of a main-line track with three sidings branching 0E the same. In Fig. 10 vwe illustrate in detail the mode of coupling a double-armed oscillating rod to an intermediate piece or sliding block, which is guided in the base of the selector in longitudinal recesses, N being the sliding block and O the oscillating piece. Fig. 11 represents a combination of a switch-bar 1 with a movable guide-block U, corresponding to the upward extensions U and the spaces V between them in Fig. 3. Fig. 12 represents a movable guide-block separately, showing the pivot R, which rotates in a corresponding orince in the switch-bar 1, as illustrated in Fig. 11. In Fig.13 the relative position of the oscillating rod to the movable slide-block and the switch-bar of Fig. 12 is more clearly represented.

Similar letters denote like parts.

A is the base of the selector.

B, C, D, E, F, and Gr are vertical extensions suitably secured therein or forming part thereof, corresponding to the n -shaped hooks of the coupling-pieces O and serving as locks for the same.

H is the top plate of the apparatus, secured ings) to the base A.

J J2 J3 are transverse grooves, and K, K',

K2, and K3 are longitudinal grooves in the base, the first three for the reception of the locking or switch bars 1, 2, and 3, and the latter four for the reception of the prongs L L' L2 L3 of the actuating-rod L4, the signal-rods M M M2 M3 and the intermediate pieces N, N', N2, N3, and N4.

'0, O, O2, O3, O4, O5, O6, OT, and Ov8 are coupling-pieces or connecting-links to effect a connection between the Operating-rod L4 and the signal-rods M.

R are pivots or pins jointing the connecting links to the signal-rods M and the intermediate pieces N, respectively.

Q are hooks proper to the connecting-links O, and P are hooks of the prongs L and the .intermediate pieces N, respectively, corresponding to the hooks of said connecting or coupling links. Y

IOC

Uare extensions of the locking-bars 1, 2, and 3, and V are spaces between such extensions.

S is 'a hole for the reception of a pin connecting the operating-rod to the operating signal-lever, and T are holes in the lockingbars to connect same to the rods operating the switches.

Having decribed the different parts of the selector, we will now explain how it is operated.

If used for parallel tracks, as shown in Figure 8, the requirements and the operation would be as follows: l

First. In the normal position all signals standat danger, and all switches are open and free to move. The normal position of all parts in the selector is as shown in Fig. 1. A pulling of the operating-rod L4 reverses the signal connected to sliding bar M from the danger to the safety position and locks' switch connected to bar 1 in the normal position, leaving switches 2 and 3 free to be moved. The signals governed by and connected to slidin g bars M', M2, and M3 are locked in their danger position.

Second. If the switch connected to lockingbar 1 be reversed, a pulling of the actuatingrod will operate the signal connected to the sliding bar M', lock switch-bar 1 in the reversed switch-bar 2 and signal-rods M, M2, and M3, in the norm al position, leaving switch connected to bar3 free to be moved.,

Third. If switch-bars 1 and 2 are reversed, a pulling of L4 places the signal connected to M2 in the safety position, locks switch-bars 1 and 2 in the reversed and 3 M M' M3 in the normal position.

Fourth. If switch-bars l, 2, and 3 are reversed, a pulling of L4 operates the signal connected to M3, placing it in the safety position, locks all switches in the reversed and the remaining signals M, M', and M2 in their normal or danger position.

If used for a track, as shown in Fig. 9, the requirements of the selector would be as fol- First. In their normal position all signals indicate danger and all switches are set for the straight line of the track. In this case the normal position of the switch or locking-bars 1, 2, and 3 is the reverse of the one shown in Fig. 1. A pulling of the operating signal-rod L4 will indicate a-clear track for the straight line to a by the safety position of the signal connected to M2, the signal-rods M M' M2 and Switch-bars 1, 2, and 3 being all locked in their normal position.

Second. Areversin g of the switch connected to bar 3 will change the combination in the selector in such a way that a pulling of the rod L4 will place the signal connected to M2 to its safety position,indicating a clear track to the siding b. The switch-bars l and2 and the signal-bars M, M', and M3 will be locked in their normal and switch-bar 3 in the reversed position.

Third. A reversing of the switch-bar 2 and pulling of the actuating-rod L4 will indicate a clear track to c by the safety position of the signal-blade connected to M. Signal-rods M M2 M3 and switch-bar 1 will be locked in the normal and switch-bar 2 in the reversed position, while the switch connected to 3 is free.

Fourth. A reversing of switch 1 and pulling of rod L4 will indicate a clear track for the siding d by the safety position of the signalblade connected to M. Switch 1 is locked in the reversed position,while switches 2 and 3 are free and signals M', M2, and M3 are locked in their normal or danger positions.

Whether used for parallel tracks connected by a series of cross-over switches, as shown in Fig. 8, or for a straight track with several branches or sidings, as shown in Fig. 9, our selector demands, in accordance with `the existing rules of railroad signal service,

that the signal-operating rod L4 assume its rnormal position, and consequently all signal-blades indicate a danger position before a new combination can be made. The locking of switches and signals in this particular construction of our selector is effected in the following manner: The vertical projections B, C, D, E, F, and Gr, forming part of or being properly secured to the base A, lock the connecting or coupling pieces O'to the base by means of their hooks Q, if they should not be in a straight line with the prongs L L' L2 L3 of the operating-rod L4, preventing thereby a reversing of the signal-blades connected to the sliding bars M, M', M2, and M3. The lower part of the intermediate pieces N, being guided in the longitudinal grooves K, and, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, extending from their jaws toward the operating-rod L4, will effect a locking of the switch or locking bars 1, 2, and 3 by entering into their grooves V.

The engagement or the disengagement of the rods M with the operating-rod L, through the coupling-links O and the intermediate pieces N, is effected by an oscillating movement of the coupling-links and their hooks or equivalent terminals, corresponding to the terminals of the sliding rods, theintermediate pieces, and the prongs of the operatin,52;rod.

For the purpose of obtaining a long stroke with comparatively short pieces we apply differently-shaped hooks at the terminals of the oscillatingpieces and correspondingly differently-shaped locking-pieces, as illustrated in Fig. 2, thus permitting the hooks Q to pass the locking-pieces B, C, D, E, and F, but preventing a change in the combination unless the operating signal-rod does actually occupy its normal position.

The dilferenoe in the shape of the hooks serves for the following purpose:

Suppose the switch-bars i, 2, and 3 are reversed and the operating-rod L4 is moved a distance equal to the distance between the centers of the switch-bars. Then the hook Q of the oscillating rod Oand the hookQ of the oscillating rod O5 will occupy positions di- IOO IIO

rectly opposite the locking-pieces D and C, respectively. At the same time the hook Q of the oscillating rod OB will stand opposite the locking-piece F. Should the hooks of all pieces be of the same shape, suitable for engagement, there would be nothing to prevent the switch-bars 1 and 2 from being moved to their normal positions. In this case the signal connected to the signal-rod M3 would occupy an intermediate position, which easily might be taken for the safety position, while the very switch controlled by this signal would be in a relatively wrong position.

Suppose locking-bars 1 and 2 are reversed and the operating-rod L4 is moved a distance equal to the space between the centers ot the switch-bars. Then the hooks Q of the oscillating rods O5 and OG will occupy positions directly opposite the locking-pieces C and D, and the hook Q of the locking-piece O7 will be located directly opposite the locking-piece E, and for the same reason, as mentioned above, the switch-bars 1 and 2 could be restored to their normal positions while it is required that they should remain locked in their reversed positions.

In a third case, when the locking-bar 1 is reversed and the operating-rod L4 is moved a distance equal to the space between the centers of the switch-bars, then the hook Q of the oscillating rod O4 will occupy a position directly opposite the locking-piece B, and it shaped in such a way as will permit their engagement the locking-bar 1 could be restored to its normal position.

Figs. 12, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 illustrate various ways of constructing and applying the coupling-links and show how they may be provided with a pivot at one end or ator near the center, how they may be single or double armed, swing either toward the signal-rods or toward the operating-rod, and how they may be provided at one or both ends with clutches, which may engage with the corresponding parts of the prongs,th e intermediate pieces, or the signal rods either vertically or horizontally.

In Fig. 4t we illustrate a selector-such as would be required for three parallel tracks.

or for a straighttrack--with only two sidings. In this diagram it is shown how the same results may be obtained by reversing some of the connecting-links in such away that their pivots are placed toward the operating-rod and their clutches toward the signal-rods.

In Fig. 5 a ve-way selector is illustratedsuch as would be required for iive parallel tracks with four cross-over switches or fora track with four sidings. The arrangement of parts is shown in exactly the same way as in the four-way selector in Fig. 1. Vte deem it superiiuous to enter into a specific description of this diagram, as itwill suggest itself from the explanation of Figs. 1, 2, and 3. The diagram of this tive-way selector and the one of the three-way selector in Fig. 4 are merely added to illustrate that we are by no means restricted to a four-way selector and actually to show how our" device is equally adapted to operate more or less signals and switches.

The diagram in Fig. 6 shows a further modiiication of our device, in which it was our object to reduce the number of parts in the best possible way. In this case We require not more than three intermediate pieces carrying the pivots of the coupling-links to the same, as illustrated in Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13 in detail, and, further, we apply two double and two single armed coupling-links with clutches at either end, thus also reducing the couplings to a minimum. This construction naturally involves a change in the order of l the signal-rods as well as in the order of the switch-rods, which, however, does in no way interfere with the working of the signals and the switches in their proper order, providing the connections are made according to the requirements. IVe have termed this arrangement au overlapping selector, as the rods overlap each other and do not proceed in a continuous order.

In Fig. 7 We illustrate another modification of our selector, in which therods continue in a distinct rotation, but in which we apply exclusively connecting-links pivoted in the center and provided with hooks, eyes, or clutches at both ends.

In the present application it will be noticed that several points have been worked out.

First, the improvements we have made over our prior application for a similar interlocking device, consisting in securing the intermediate pieces to the coupling-pieces by pivots.

The second improvement is that the locking-pieces for the signal-bars form a part of the base or are properly secured to the same.

Third, another improvement is the application of an oscillating movement of the parts engaging within each other.

Fourth, the improvement in variously shaping the clutches such as will permit a long stroke of the operating parts.

A tifth improvement in this construction is the possibility ot' reducing the number of operating parts to a minimum, as illustrated in the overlapping selector.

In the present application some points are not explained nor claimed, because they form part vot the prior application now pending.

I-Iaving described the different parts of our invention, we claim as new, and desire to,se cure by Letters Patent, the following:

1. In a multiple selector, the combination, with a switch or switches controlling two or more railway-tracks and signals therefor, of a connecting-rod for working allsaid signals, a series of signal-bars, one for each signal, formed of a series of pivotally-connected coupling-links adapted to be broken or disconnected by reciprocating at right angles thereto, and a number of bars corresponding and connected with said switch or switches,

IOO

IIO

whereby the engagement of either of said signal-bars With saidA connecting-rod and the disengagement of all the others are effected, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a multiple selector, the combination, with a series of tracks and a signal for each, of a connecting-rod for Working a series of signals, a series of signal-bars formed of a number of pivotally connected Oscillating coupling links or pieces provided at one end with prongs or clutches, and aseries of switchbars, one for each switch or crossing, operating at right angles to said signal-bars for producing or controlling the engagement and connection of either of said signal-bars with said connecting-rod and the disengagement of all the others, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

3. In a multiple selector, the combination, with a series of tracks and signals for each, of a base having a series of transverse grooves or channels, a series of signal-bars, one for each signal, formed of a number of pivotallyconnected oscillating couplingpieces provided With clutches or prongs adapted to be reciprocated in said longitudinal grooves, and a series of switch-bars corresponding and connected with said switch or switches adapted to be reciprocated in said transverse grooves, whereby the engagement and connection of the coupling-pieces of either of said signalbars with the prongs of said connecting-rod and the disengagement of all the others are effected, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

4. In a multiple selector, the combination, with a series of tracks and a signal for each, of a base or frame having a number of vertical projections and a series of longitudinal and transverse grooves, a series of signalbars, one for each signal, formed of a number of pivotally-connected oscillating coupling-pieces provided With prongs adapted to be reciprocated in saidlongitudinal grooves, and a series of switch-bars, one for each switch, the first of Which, or that nearest the actuating-rod, is provided With a number of grooves, each bar thereafter being provided With one less than the one preceding, said bars being adapted to be reciprocated in said transverse grooves, whereby the engagement and connection of the coupling-pieces of either of said signal-bars with the prongs of the connecting-rod and the disengagement of all others and the locking of said switch and signal bars are effected, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

5. In a selector, the combination of the oscillating connecting-links with the signalbars, the switch-bars, the intermediate sliding pieces, the prongs of the operating-rod, and the locking-pieces of the base.

In testimony that We claim the foregoing We hereunto affix our signatures this 30th day of March, A. D. 1889.

GEORGE KOENIG. SIMON HEINRICH STUPAKOFF.

In presence of- J AMES BRYAR, J. B. HYNDMAN. 

